HPG intercepts P143 million smuggled cigarettesDILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the smuggled cigarettes were in two trailer trucks that were intercepted by HPG personnel along G. Araneta Avenue due to lack of license plates. MANILA, Philippines — Over 2,000 boxes of smuggled cigarettes valued at P143 million were seized by the Highway Patrol Group in Quezon City on Wednesday, the Department of the Interior and Local Government announced yesterday. DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the smuggled cigarettes were in two trailer trucks that were intercepted by HPG personnel along G. Araneta Avenue due to lack of license plates. Remulla said the cargo came from Bauan, Batangas and was supposed to be delivered to Valenzuela City. He added that after the seizure, three people were arrested after offering P5 million in exchange for the cargo’s release.

Source: Philippine Star December 19, 2025 18:04 UTC